Mobile Clinic has essential attention to Ukrainian communities published in the Kharkiv region
Living near the front line means more than surviving the constant threat of an attack, it is also a daily battle to respond to basic needs, as access to medical care.
In the released areas of the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, an organization called DIgnitas Ukraine It is intervening where many clinics were forced to end after Russia’s total invasion in February 2022.
Despite the dangers, which include attacks on drones and roads, the voluntary team works Seven days a week, covering 27 communities in the regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk.
Some villages become inaccessible due to the rigorous winter conditions that cut the roads, isolating them.
In the Bistkvitne community (about 25 kilometers from Jharkiv), Dignitas Ukraine settled in a shed during the following hours, with residents to patiently wait for their turn.
The organization offers Medical and psychological support To people who, by choice or not, were in the community. Most of the time, the population that chose is mainly composed of older people, together with their homes and lands and are not willing to be eliminated.
However, Most young people fled west to cities like lviv, Far from the front line.
The co -founder Anna Nikonnko worked with veterans before creating the mobile clinic. By explaining the role of the clinic, he said that one of the most important aspects of his visits is simply Show the locals that were not forgotten.
“When we arrive, for them, it is important to feel that someone cares about them. It is a form of support. It is good for them to hear that they will get it. We are here just to support them“Anna said.
He added: “A country cannot exist without its people. So we are helping people here so that our country is not completely destroyed.”
Daily bombing caused great destruction. Schools, hospitals, houses: everything has been the goal of attacksas well as vital energy infrastructures such as water, gas and electricity.
However, regardless of the challenge, Anna says she faces everyday life with optimism. “Survive. It affects what happens. This is the most important. And you don’t give up, I think that’s it, “he added. And maintain optimism. It doesn’t matter how, forgiveness for my language, things get shy, we have to find something positive. Always.”
Many of the inhabitants of the rural areas have limited access to transport and financial resources, A situation aggravated by war.
Yevhenia Mykolaivna Palkhovna was born in the capital of the region, Jharkiv, but has lived in Biskvitne for more than 40 years, where all her family has been buried, including two of her children.
Yevhenia was withdrawn from the area due to the Russian invasion, accompanied by her 35 -year -old son, Anatoliy, but returned when the region was released. When asked what would leave if there was another occupation, he shook his head, swallowed his tears and said:
“I’m going to be buried here. I’m not going anywhere. I will stay here for him. I don’t want him to stay behind. This is our land. This is our home. “
This 77 -year -old woman depends on the clinic to move home and take care of her and her son, but Dignitas Ukraine also helps with other needs when providing food and firewood.
Hypertension, diabetes, viral infections and trauma
The voluntary doctor Ishchenko Tetiana Borisivna, of Kharkiv, is a pediatrician, hematologist (specialized in blood diseases) and also teaches pediatrics at the University of Medicine of Kharkiv. However, he said he was not doing enough. “I felt that what I was doing was not all I could do for society, by Ukraine and our region. “
When asked what he thought of the constant danger presented by the drones that Shahed, Tetiana replied: “It doesn’t bother me. We do not have them; We can handle the best we can“Adding later,” we adapt. “Unfortunately, most of the Ukrainians got used to living in these conditions.
Tetiana is willing to work regardless of the conditions, provided she receives authorization from the organization. “We do not pay attention to the context or the social status of the patients. If we tell us to do something, we do it. We do what needs to be done. As for me, if they tell me there is a need, I will work. “
Tetiana said that the most common diseases they treat are Hypertension, diabetes, viral infections and trauma.
Dignitas Ukraine is one of the many NGOs who work tirelessly to play their role in this war that affects civilians. But during the time we pass to the volunteers, it was clear that the Persistence and resilience were the only way to follow.
